IPL Owners Ignore Pakistan Players in The Hundred

Cricket has a funny way of mixing sport with politics. And right now, it seems like the two have gotten very cozy indeed.

Four teams in England’s flashy The Hundred tournament now have Indian IPL money behind them. We’re talking Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and SunRisers Leeds. And surprise, surprise, none of them appear to be interested in signing any Pakistan players. Not one. Zero. Zilch.

No Pakistani Player in The Hundred?

Apparently, a senior ECB official already told a player agent something along the lines of, “Hey, your Pakistan guys? Try the teams without Indian money.” An agent with more experience in this world simply shrugged and called it an “unwritten rule.” Not written anywhere. Not announced. Just understood. Like how everyone knows you don’t talk about the Wi-Fi password at a restaurant, but you still get it anyway.

This is not exactly new behavior. Pakistan players have not played in the IPL since 2009. That is not a typo. 2009. Some of today’s Pakistan cricketers were in school when that last happened. South Africa’s SA20 has also never featured a Pakistan player across all its seasons, and every single team there has IPL ownership. Coincidence? Sure. And the moon is made of cheese.

IPL Owners Ignore Pakistan Players in The Hundred — **Source:** ESPN Cricinfo

The ECB spokesperson bravely said that The Hundred “welcomes players from all over the world.” Over 50 Pakistan players apparently registered for the auction. Welcome indeed. Just, you know, not to those four teams.

James Sheridan from Manchester Super Giants kept things wonderfully vague, saying they are focused on “building the best possible squad.” Great stuff. Very reassuring. Just not for anyone holding a Pakistan passport.

The players’ union chief pointed out that every player deserves a fair shot. A very sensible thing to say. Whether anyone is listening is a completely different matter.

So here we are. Cricket, a sport that once united the subcontinent through pure passion and rivalry, is now quietly keeping that rivalry alive through auction lists and unwritten rules. Very diplomatic. Very petty. Very entertaining.